.30-06 using Berger VLD hunting?

[GC Hunter]

Has anyone had any experience loading any of the Berger VLD hunting bullets in a Remington model 700 .30-06? If so what is a good grain to use? Please post any load data if possible. Thanks

 

[2506]

It all depends on what you will be hunting and distance you intend to shoot. You can contact Berger and they will give you load suggestions. Be aware that these bullets are really picky about how far off the lands you load them. They usually shoot jammed into the lands which you do not want in a hunting round, and they shoot waaaaaaaay off the lands somewhere between 30 and 60 thousands off usually. In my opinion these bullets should not be used for any racking shots. They usually go in between 2 and 3 inches even through shoulder bone and explode. They are wicked for broad side shots in the vitals pulping ever thing and IF there is an exit it is usually the size of a baseball caused by the hydro effect of the bullet exploding.

 

[jsthntn247]

I had trouble getting my Rem 742 (jam master) 30-06 to shoot. It has allot of sentimental value so I wanted to be able to hunt with it every now and again when I would have close shots. I loaded the Berger classic 168 hybrids to just fit in the magazine 2.950 and 56gr of Imr 4350 and it shoots under an inch now, sometimes around .5" if I let it cool between shots. Load it with 56-57gr of Imr 4350 and if it wont shoot, sale it.

 

[Catfur]

Berger makes two "Classic" hybrids designed to be loaded to SAAMI length, a 168 & 185 gr. both of these bullets should be good, based on book velocity, out of a 30-06 to around 700 yards. The hybrids should be able to be tuned more easily than the VLDs.

 

[watercam]

You do not need to limit yourself to VLDs. The 175 and 185 hunting Long Range bullets are good as well as any of the Hybrids. Also look at Nosler's new Long Range Accubonds...

 

[harleyreb1]

I shoot the 168 vld hunting in my 700 and with a 24" barrel am getting around 2950fps with vit 150 powder, and the kills have been very nice and clean on whitetail. I'm loving this setup

 

[GC Hunter]

I appreciate the info guys. Having a hard time finding any in stock but did find the 175gr on midway USA. Will be ordering them and trying out. I will post the results.

 

[timeout]

I'm shooting the VLD's in a 25-06. There is an advantage to shooting them waaaay off the lands, they fit in the removable magazine. They shoot terrific and do a nice job on whitetail. Look up Berger's reccomendation for tuning seating depth with the VLD's. You may find the sweet spot is up to .120" off the lands.